Nice lateral thinking, shipmate!
On U-46 I permit my men up top to light up, as the watch officer allows.
There is normally an informal tobacco tax enforced, though, and that could be anything from a mug of hot chocolate to be shared, or some fruit, or a saucy postcard, or even once during a particularly boring spell, getting the seaman to sing "Tomorrow Belongs To Me!" at the top of his voice to the seagulls.
We only once had a problem, when Dieter stubbed his cigarette out on top of the flare box. The man's an idiot sometimes.
There was much consternation, but no harm done.
It takes a brave man to punch someone of Dieter's size, but the 2nd Officer did it.
I'd like to think that Dieter accepted it rather than go before my discipline, but he stayed up there chatting with my Number Two for quite a while, even lighting another, and god forbid, offering them around.
He's been as good as gold ever since.
A good man, my Second Officer....
Lt de Bunsen, U-46
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